Phil Taylor: "I can't do the late nights any more"

Phil Taylor is concerned that playing too many late-night matches at the PDC World Championship could hamper his chances of winning a 17th world title.

The defending champion, who beat Michael van Gerwen 7-4 on New Year's Day to win the 2013 competition, is the odds-on favourite to retain his crown in January 2014.

Due to his high profile and popularity, Taylor is frequently selected as the headline act, meaning that his matches are often scheduled to take place at the end of an evening session.

However, 'The Power', who turned 53 earlier this year, is keen to avoid late finishes wherever possible.

"I can't do the late nights any more," Taylor told the Daily Star. "I can't be playing until midnight again.

"If I am scheduled to play at 10pm for example, I will - but I'd prefer not to now. It's too late for me.

"During the worlds, your rest time is so important. The late matches take their toll on the body."

Taylor gets his title defence underway on Friday night when he faces either Ian Moss or Rob Szabo in round one.